What is my 30-30 model 94 capable of taking?

[T.R.]

30-30 is widely known for its straight line penetration. Bones are no match for the 170 grain round nose bullet. This is a common factor with many medium velocity hunting cartridges.

Elk and moose are taken each and every year by hunters armed with 30-30 carbines. Since lever action rifles are fast handling repeaters, I suggest keep shooting into the chest organs until the animal topples. But the first shot is ALWAYS the most important.

Nope, not me in this picture. This photo was sent by a friend in Idaho.

TR

 

[Kachok]

Disproportinate killing ability is almost always a result of spectacular penatration, the tougher 170gr 30-30 bulletes do this very well, not as well as the 7x57 or 6.5x55 but certainly well enough for trophy elk which is good enough for me

 

[MCgunner]

OTOH, flat nose and round nose .30-30 bullets open up very reliably and leave a nice wound channel. The round and flat nose meplats tend to be more reliable at expansion than are many spitzers. This is especially so in guns with low muzzle velocity.

 

[Kachok]

Would not say that, I never had a Ballistic Tip fail to expand, but there is alot of truth to the RN and FN soft points hitting harder, that has been tested over and over again, less aerodynamic=more disruptive on contact. Now some would say that it is better to go in clean and minimize energy loss through the hide, but RN-FN have proven highly effective for so long I won't get too far into that debate.